Hawaii and California were both initially batted around for what Joyner termed "destination games," yet even during those talks, the conversation, and ultimately focus, continually circled back to Ireland, which is home to the roots of both State head coach Bill O'Brien and UCF lead man George O'Leary.

The idea first popped onto State's radar after the success Notre Dame and Navy had in their 2012 Ireland contest, which the Fighting Irish won handily. From there, opponents were discussed, and though others were considered, UCF was the lone school that was willing, and able, to accommodate it in their schedule.

So let the scheduling, planning, passport making, and other administrative tasks commence for a game the State athletic director believes will give both programs national exposure.

"There is already hubub and talking about it with the Irish, and they are very excited about this," Joyner said in a Friday morning conference call with reporters.

"UCF is a very, very good football program, and I think fans are excited about it. It's a great way to give our football team, and our university, a marquee place to place, and kind of focus on us."

Joyner was joined by O'Leary in Ireland last Sunday to make the announcement in partnership with Gaelic Athletic Association. Joyner added that the country as a whole is heavily invested in the contest, and dignitaries in the country's tourism outfit, as well as the Lord Mayor of Dublin - where the game will be held - have been involved in the planning of the contest.

If current plans hold to form, State would leave University Park mid-week - tentatively August 26 or 27, 2014 - and spend as much time seeing the country as possible while also mixing in practice and game preparation. Joyner noted a full week is unlikely due to State's fall semester being in session at the time.

He went on to add that the program did not need any additional permission from the NCAA even though they are in the midst of four-year NCAA sanctions, and also explained that the program kept the Big Ten conference up-to-date on the planning process, even though the Lions do not need permission from the conference to make the trip.

As for equipment shipping and getting other game-necessary tools to Dublin, Joyner said that while it will require "heavy lifting," the hectic process is eased by multiple contingencies of Ireland's government, plus private entities, being well versed in the process thanks to previous American football games on Irish soil.

"They are very helpful and facilitating. You go through US customs in Dublin, which is a huge advantage, and their airport works extremely well," Joyner said. "Everyone needs to have passports, but we have a year to institute that, which is good.

"It falls right in the middle of everything we need to get done over a four year period [the sanctions], so it's sort of a shot in the arm, and something that's exciting and gives our players a chance to experience it."